It's all about the cricket, West Indian cricket. Occasionally it may wander off the path but that will never be for too long.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Grading the West Indies in Bangladesh: the third ODI

The West Indies lost to Bangladesh by eight wickets in the third and final One-Day International, in the process recording their lowest score against that team. After they fell for 61 in 22 overs I was tempted to give them all an F but what would be the fun in that? Still, I was a bit lenient towards the bowlers since they did not have a lot to work with. So, this is what I came up with.

Danza Hyatt

He never looked settled during his brief innings, due in part to his reluctance to get to the pitch of the full deliveries. It was one such that caused his downfall as his attempted hoick down the ground only ended up in the hands of second slip.

In for his first match of the series after the in-form Lendl Simmons was given time-off compliments of a slight back injury. The Nevisian looked the best of the batsmen before his promising innings was undone by a beauty. The catch he put down at first slip could not have come any easier though.

His first failure of the series. Like Hyatt he never looked settled and his expansive drive reflected his impatience at the pressure created by some disciplined bowling in helpful conditions. Did return to bowl tidily and pick up a wicket.

The manner of Pollard’s dismissal with his team three down with only 34 on the board is an accurate reflection of why he only averages 22 after 45 ODI matches. Branded a 20/20 specialist because of his explosive hitting in the shortest form of the game this was a great opportunity for him play a long innings. He let it slip.

Displayed his usual level headedness but with no top order batsmen for him to support his vigil was always going to be in vain. With the ball he looked to be coming back into form by making like uncomfortable for all the batsmen.

One would not expect the Number 11 to handle the Bangladeshi spinners better than the top order batsmen but the slog that caused his dismissal was unnecessary given the amount of overs that remained. He did cause a few anxious moments for the batsmen when he bowled his leg-breaks.